The bronze sculptures on the bridge were created by Peter Klodt, who intentionally designed them so that the horses' anatomy changes as you walk from one side of the bridge to the other.
During the Siege of Leningrad, the bronze horses were buried in the nearby Anichkov Palace garden to save them from shell damage.
The bridge was named after Mikhail Anichkov, the commander of the battalion that built the first wooden bridge here under Peter the Great's orders.
The original wooden bridge was painted in a bright color scheme that differed from the later granite design.
Bullet marks from the Siege of Leningrad are still preserved on the granite pedestal of one of the sculptures on the north side of the bridge.
Anichkov Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge crossing the Fontanka River in St. Petersburg, located on the historic Nevsky Prospekt. Originally constructed as a wooden drawbridge in 1716, the current stone structure dates to 1841. It is best known for the four bronze sculptures of 'The Horse Tamers' created by Peter Klodt. These statues were removed and buried in the Anichkov Palace garden during World War II to protect them from aerial bombardment. The bridge has undergone multiple reconstructions to widen the path and reinforce its load-bearing capacity for modern traffic. The current granite piers and railings have remained largely unchanged since the mid-19th century.
From the bank of the Fontanka river looking up toward the bridge, which captures both the statues and the architectural span.
Walk to all four corners of the bridge to examine the differing anatomy of the horses as the tamer gains control.
Inspect the pedestals closely to find the visible remnants of WWII artillery damage.
Visit during the White Nights period when the bridge serves as a prime vantage point for viewing the river traffic.
Do not attempt to climb the pedestals or touch the sculptures, as it is prohibited and risks damaging the historical patina.
